A Moment For Skinceuticals

The world (and we’d like to think this site) is full of good skincare advice. But of course, some of that advice carries more weight than the rest. This particularly applies when anyone says “I use XYZ product from Skinceuticals.” Because Skinceuticals is not messing around—they know what they’re doing when it comes to making products. It’s a brand our Market Editor Pauline Maynard—she of charming French accent and discerning French taste—likens to life insurance: “The price is pretty painful now, but it’s the best protection and prevention I can get, simply because the ingredient concentration is unparalleled.”

It’s not just her. Other fans include: Stevie Dance, Alexandra Spencer, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, and Martha Stewart. But the product line is vast, full of very science-y ingredients, and is a bit like an insider’s game. If you’re new to the brand, a) welcome to the club, we’re happy to be in good company. And b) there are three standouts we’d like to call your attention to as ultimate skincare “investment collection.” They are as follows, in order from least to most complicated:

Hydrating B5This super lightweight gel works under any moisturizer, day or night, for an extra boost of hydration (thanks, hyaluronic acid!). Put simply, it feels like applying water directly to your face—no residual stickiness at all. Can’t help but love a product that feels exactly the way you want it to feel.

Phloretin CF
This product comes in two forms—a serum and a gel. Both have 10% vitamin C (when most have about 1-2%), 2% phloretin and 0.5% ferulic acid. Both are still very gentle on sensitive skin—but you’re going to want to have a game plan for when to use which form. Some suggestions from Pauline: “The liquid is great for when I want to feel like it vanishes on my skin and leaves nothing behind. The gel I love to take with me when I travel because the pump is made for carry-ons. It’s also much easier to use as it’s not drippy like the liquid one. It does feel richer though and leaves more of a slight tack afterwards—but nothing I can’t sleep on.”

CE Ferulic
This one is the heavy hitter, with a whopping 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid. Lots of numbers that add up to glow. It is richer than the Phloretin though and might leave a slightly tackier film—good news if you find yourself dealing with dry skin. Thank goodness it’s winter.